Top 10 Popular Cat Accessories In India

 

Cats are beautiful, interesting, weird creatures, and to love and care for one, it is important to give them a comfortable and fun home. Cats require a specific type of environment to burgeon – particular places to play, scratch, and relax. Felines can be fickle creatures, which means you may have to go through a few alternatives before you find the right fit for your kitty. What accessories you get for your new kitty will entirely depend on your cat’s personality.

With so many different kinds of cat accessories on the market, you might feel overwhelmed with all the options available, and it might feel impossible to sort through them all. To help you out, we’ve made a list of the 10 most essential and popular cat accessories that you’ll need for an ideal parenting experience. With these items on hand, you’ll be fully prepared for anything cat parenting throws at you, so you can relax and enjoy every moment with your new “purrfect” friend.

Carrier or Crate

The first thing you’ll need as a cat owner is a cat carrier or crate. Leaving the house is inevitable but when your pet suffers from separation anxiety or you just don’t want to leave them for long periods, this could be the solution. A cat carrier should be safe with plenty of ventilation and easy access to get the kitty in and out. A backpack made with breathable mesh, a soft interior, and a transparent side is ideal for traveling with your kitty.

With the transparent cover, your cat will not feel uncomfortable because of the dark space. Always consider the size of your pet when purchasing a carrier. Get it here.  

Collar

Your kitty is going to need a collar. It is pertinent to purchase a collar that fits properly and won’t irritate your cat’s neck or affect her breathing and swallowing. To ensure safety regarding that a general rule is to allow enough room for two fingers to fit between the collar and the neck. The collar should have an automatic release that will disengage if your cat’s collar gets stuck on something, like a tree branch, fence, or bush, and your cat doesn’t get stuck there. Get it here.

ID Tag

Your purring furball should wear a collar with an ID tag at all times. The tag should have your name, address, and contact details. You also need to microchip your new furball. That way if your cat somehow escapes or gets lost, a passing stranger won’t mistake him for a stray. Get it here.

Food

You should choose a high-quality and specially formulated food for your kitty so that they get all the necessary nutrients that will help them develop properly. It is advisable to pick a food designated for your feline’s life stage. For example, a kitten needs different nutrients than an adult cat. Research potential options, consult with your veterinarian, and gather information from the packaging before buying. If possible, find out what kind of food the breeder, shelter, rescue, or pet store was feeding the cat previously, and stick to the same diet for a while.

Dry food is relatively easier to feed cats, while canned food is a way for cats to get more water. Splitting between dry and canned food over the course of a day or week is an ideal diet for the cat. However, if your cat likes only one type of food, that’s fine. Don’t fight it. Get dry food here and wet food here.

Food & Water Bowls

When it comes to materials, it is better to use stainless steel or glass bowls over plastic for your pet’s food and water. Plastic can get dingy and dirty fats, and holds onto bacteria. This can result in various health problems for your kitty such as cat acne. To avoid tipping, the bottoms of the bowls should be weighted. Bowls should be cleaned daily. Get it here.

Water Fountain

Some cats don’t like the water right next to their food, hence it is recommended to keep them separate. Water fountains are an enticing way to get cats to drink water. In the wild, felines usually drink running water, as they consider it safer to drink. A fountain mimics a stream or river, hence, a lot of cats prefer running water. However, you need to keep the fountain clean and change the filter about every month. Get it here.

Litter Box

Your new kitty will need a place to pee and poo. You will need one litter box per cat and one per floor of your home. There are several styles of litter boxes to choose from, such as a self-cleaning litter box, a hooded litter box, and a plain plastic box. However, it is advised to purchase a litter box that’s at least 1.5 times longer than your cat, so that there’s enough room to turn around. Also, make sure to keep the litter box far away from the food and water bowls. Use litter box wipes to keep your kitty’s litter box clean and odor-free. Get it here

Cat Beds

Your kitty’s bed should be warm and soft and located in a place that makes them feel comfortable and safe. Enclosed cat beds are highly recommended because cats like to be surrounded when they sleep. They also serve as good hiding places. Whichever bed you choose, make sure it is small enough to help your cat feel secure. However, it must be large enough for your cat to lie down in and have some room to stretch. Get it here.

Scratching Posts

Scratching is one of their instinctive activities. Cats need to scratch, and you’ll want to give your new pet an acceptable place to do that. And unless you want them to turn to scratch something else, like the couch, scratching posts can help with that urge. Scratching posts that are 3 feet or taller are perfect for your new friend since most cats prefer tall ones because they like to pet-friendly stretch up and sink in their claws. Place them in areas that your cat frequents so that he’ll use them. Get it here.

Toys

The most important thing is to play with your furball. This helps your cat bond with you and socializes them. Once or twice a day, sit down and engage in playtime with your kitty using interactive toys. There are a variety of toys your kitty can play with, such as balls, teasers, catnip toys, and even household items like string, ribbons, and a box. A fishing pole toy is an ideal and fun toy. The object on the end of the line is fun to catch, and it’s a  great way to burn off their energy, especially with younger cats. Shy cats may prefer ribbons. Get it here.

Cat Trees

Cats like to climb to a high, safe place, settle in, and watch the world below them. Hence, they jump and climb whatever they can, so a nice cat tree should keep them occupied and off your mantle or breakable glassware. Cat trees are made from materials that can be scratched up, and some cat trees include separate scratching posts. You should buy one that’s tall and sturdy. Similarly, like the scratching post, place the cat tree in areas your cat frequents so he’ll use them. Get it here.

Grooming Supplies
 
Just as grooming is an integral part of humans, it is so for our pets as well. A properly groomed cat not only looks good but also feels completely healthy within. Cats are self-groomers and spend hours licking and grooming themselves. But sometimes licking with their tongues isn’t enough to remove dirt and unpleasant smell on their coats and you will need to pitch in from time to time.

To prevent tick and flea infestations it is important to bathe your kitty. Apart from bathing you also have to ensure regular brushing and combing the pet’s coat with the right kind of tools. Cat care also involves trimming the nails because when nails grow too long they can enter the feline’s feet and it is a painful ordeal.
Grooming sessions also serve as a bonding activity as well. However, try to assess your cat’s mood and if your cat is restless and uncomfortable, just cut the session short.
 
Shampoo

Baths from time to time are necessary to prevent tick and flea infestations. Your kitty is going to need a shampoo that smooths and detangles its coat. While there are many brands in the market, it’s best to choose one that either has high ratings or is most compatible (non-allergic) to your puss. Get it here.

Self Cleaning Brush

It is essential to regularly brush and comb the pet’s coat with the right kind of tools. Brushing removes loose dead hair and tangles. Brushing also prevents hairball formation as there remains no extra detached fur that can be swallowed by the kitty while licking. Get it here.

Ear Wipes

Cat parents also have to deal with issues such as ear infections and ear mites. It’s very important to clean the inside of the cat’s ears to get rid of wax, fluid, and dirt using an ear cleansing solution to prevent ear infections in your kitty. Get it here.

Dental Wipes

Dental hygiene is an often ignored aspect of pet care. Bad dental health could result in trouble with eating and subsequently, nutrition. Oral grooming must include the use of good-quality toothpaste, regular brushing, and the use of teeth wipes. Get it here.

Litter Deodorizer

A safe and natural way to eliminate odors from your cat’s litter box is to use a litter box deodorizer. This will also make your kitty less fussy about using a soiled litter box. Use a deodorizer that does not contain chemicals so it’s safe to use around pets. Get it here.

Keep each grooming session short. The basics of cat grooming are a good brushing with a cat grooming brush and perhaps, a wipe down with wet kitty wipes. Forcing your cat to stay put for longer periods for grooming, will only make them more resistant to future sessions. A well-prepared home that includes all the essential accessories, does wonder for your cat’s temperament and comfort and as result, your new furry friend will adjust faster.